WASHINGTON D.C. - USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah is participating in the 21st World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa on May 4-6. As a co-chair of the meeting, Administrator Shah will directly shape the agenda as leaders deliberate on the theme of From Vision to Action, Africa's Next Chapter.

"While Africa's future is up to Africans, the United States will continue to play a major role with our African partners in shaping that future," said USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah. "Our partnership with Africa is based on our mutual desire to boost economic growth and prosperity for all, to achieve peace and security, and to promote democracy and good governance."

The World Economic Forum on Africa will serve as a forum for critical discussion on how Africa's potential may be translated into action and growth. Hosted by Jacob G. Zuma, President of South Africa, the meeting will convene more than 900 participants to explore the opportunities and risks facing the continent. Administrator Shah will collaborate with African heads of state and other top regional and international leaders on three thematic pillars: Shaping Africa's Role in the New Reality; Fostering Africa's New Champions of Growth; and Building Partnerships for Inclusive Development. The forum will feature interactive and workshop sessions designed to encourage brainstorming and debate to identify key steps to enhance Africa's growth.

Administrator Shah last participated in the Annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland where he announced USAID"s commitment to creating public-private partnerships in Feed the Future focus countries.

To learn more about USAID and its programs, please visit www.usaid.gov.